As a new homeowner, you may be considering insulation for your home. There are many benefits to insulating your home, including reducing energy costs, improving comfort levels, and reducing noise levels. However, there are also some things you need to know before you start the process of insulating your home.
Here are the top 10 tips for new homeowners considering insulation:
1. Determine the R-value of Your Home
The first thing you need to do is determine the R-value of your home. The R-value is a measure of how well insulation works. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation will work. You can find out the R-value of your home by contacting your local building code office or looking it up online.
2. Choose the Right Insulation Material
There are many different types of insulation materials available on the market today. Some of the most popular insulation materials include fibreglass, cellulose, and foam. Each type of insulation has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You will need to decide which type of insulation is best for your home based on your needs and budget.
3. Install the Insulation Properly
Once you have chosen the right insulation material, you need to make sure it is installed properly. Poorly installed insulation can result in drafts, leaks, and energy loss. Make sure you hire a professional like iFoam to install your insulation correctly to avoid these problems.
4. Inspect Your Home for Leaks
Before you start the insulation process, you need to inspect your home for leaks. Leaks can occur in walls, ceilings, floors, and around windows and doors. If you find any leaks, you need to seal them before you start the insulation process.
5. Add Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping is an important part of the insulation process. It helps to seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows to prevent drafts and energy loss. You can purchase weather stripping at most hardware stores.
6. Use Caulking
Caulking is another important part of the insulation process. It helps to seal gaps and cracks around pipes, ductwork, and electrical outlets. You can purchase caulk at most hardware stores.
7. Install Insulation Batts
Insulation batts are one of the most common types of insulation. They are made from fibreglass, cellulose, or foam and come in a variety of thicknesses. You can purchase insulation batts at most home improvement stores.
8. Install Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulation is another type of insulation that is made from fibreglass, cellulose, or foam. It comes in bags that you can pour into place. You can purchase loose-fill insulation at most home improvement stores.
9. Use Radiant Barrier Sheeting
Radiant barrier sheeting is an important part of the insulation process. It helps to reflect heat away from your home in the summer and keep heat inside your home in the winter. You can purchase radiant barrier sheeting at most hardware stores.
10. Hire a Professional
If you are not comfortable installing insulation yourself, you can always hire a professional. Insulation contractors are trained and experienced in installing all types of insulation. They will also be able to help you choose the right type of insulation for your home and budget.